Hood Scoops

• The hood scoop is an upraised opening on the hood that looks and acts pretty much like a small vent. This is a common fixture on muscle cars, which is why this feature is usually associated with performance.
• The scoop is raised on the hood to catch additional air stream when running at high speeds. The airflow is channeled to the engine compartment in a short, direct path, usually through a tube or passage that is insulated against heat.
• Although hood scoops are primarily designed to supply more airflow and to enhance performance, not all are capable of providing any sort of power gain. Aside from decorative hood scoops that are just added for mere appearance, some scoops fail to achieve the desired outcome because of their poor construction and design.

Rear spoilers give the vehicle wings to fly at highway speeds by reducing drag and adding traction. They also make the vehicle look sleeker. For the front end, you have hood scoops to give the vehicle a bit of the sporty edge. The scoop lets the engine breathe in more air, so it will run cooler and work better.

The hood scoop is an upraised opening on the hood that looks and acts pretty much like a small vent. This is a common fixture on muscle cars, which is why this feature is usually associated with performance. The hood scoop sits on top of the hood to catch additional air stream, especially at high road speeds. The airflow is channeled to the engine compartment in a short, direct path, usually through a tube or passage that is insulated against heat. To achieve this, the scoop is placed on a high-pressure area, such as the rear of the hood or close to the vehicle’s cowl. The scoop may also be in reverse, with the inlet facing the windshield. It should also be mounted at a certain level to draw in faster-moving air.

Some hood scoops are used merely as a decorative accent. Although they have an inlet, these scoops are actually closed on the inside. The protruding vent on top of the hood is there mostly for the appearance of a performance-driven front end or for a sleeker-looking body.

The engine would run cooler and could work much better if more air can get into the hood. That is why the hood scoop is used to funnel air straight into the engine compartment on top of the bumper grille. Air speed and pressure increase as the vehicle runs faster. In some applications, hood scoops are designed to bring in cooler, denser air, which contains more oxygen compared to the warm under-hood air. This not only keeps the engine cooler but also makes fuel combustion more efficient. This can lead to a swell in horsepower and a boost in overall engine performance. Some scoops are even built to mimic the effects of a turbocharger or as an integral part of a supercharging system. That is why some prefer adding less-expensive hood scoops to bolting in exhaust headers.

Although hood scoops are primarily designed to accommodate more airflow and to enhance performance, not all are capable of providing any sort of power gain. Other than decorative accessories that are just added to resemble the look of muscle cars and performance vehicles, some hood scoops fail to achieve the desired outcome because of their poor construction and design. Shallow scoops, for instance, may not draw in the needed amount of air, thus failing to make any difference at all. The aerodynamic drag that some scoops may create may also undermine their potential as a power booster.

Hood scoops may attract dirt and may let in water. That is why the scoops must have drain provisions in the air cleaner assembly. The added exposure to the elements could mean more frequent air filter replacements. Another downside is added noise that the engine may create because of the scoop.

Different types of hood scoop are used by various car manufacturers. They vary in terms of function and overall design.

Ram air scoop

The ram air system is built like a cold air intake and is designed to create high-pressure air to work like a supercharger. The scoop starts with a smaller opening and gets wider as it gets closer to the engine. As air is funneled further down the scoop, air pressure increases. The supercharging effects can only be felt when running at faster speeds.

Cowl induction hood scoop

The main difference with other types of hood scoop is that this is placed at the back of the hood, with the inlet facing the windshield since its base is considered a high-pressure area. Air that blows through the windshield then flows down into the scoop’s opening to enter the engine compartment. This brings in cooler, higher-pressure air much like a cold air intake.

Intercooler scoop

This is also called a turbo scoop since it is a part of a supercharging system. It induces cooler outside air to the top-mounted intercooler. The scoop is not responsible for any performance boost on its own. The supercharger or turbocharger provides some power gains but generates a lot of heat. As a heat exchanger, the intercooler makes sure that the engine operates at safer temperatures, while the scoop provides added ventilation.

Shaker scoop

This is also known as the shaker system or shaker hood. This scoop got this name because it vibrates along with the running engine since this mounted directly to it, particularly to the air cleaner. Sticking out through a hole in the hood, this scoop draws in cooler, denser air at higher road speeds and directs it straight to the air filter.

NACA duct

The NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) duct was initially developed for the jet aircraft. Unlike the conventional upraised scoops, the duct is submerged, mounted below the surface. This is built with curved walls and a sloped ramp. This reduces aerodynamic drag and allows faster-moving air to be drawn into the duct.

Here is a list of things that you have to consider to guide you through the wide selection of aftermarket hood scoops:

Purpose

First, you need to figure out whether you add a decorative hood scoop to improve the appearance of your car or use a functional hood scoop to enhance its performance. You can then trim down your choices to hood scoops that best suit your needs and the type of vehicle you are driving, whether it is for street driving, for racing, or for hauling.

Installation

The hood scoop may already be a built-in feature of your vehicle or can be an add-on for either for appearance or for performance. This may be bonded or bolted to the hood. A little bit of research will tell you which method or design will work best for your vehicle.

Material

Factory-fitted hood scoops are typically made of solid steel, especially for older muscles cars and vehicle models. More modern scoops are now made out of composite materials, which can be a good alternative to steel when it comes to durability. Some are made of fiberglass and even plastic, which are lighter.

Color/Finish

Most hood scoops come in black or chrome, which are easier to mix and match with any paint or finish. They may also come as primed or ready to paint to match for a monochromatic tone or to make it pop in a different color.

Design

Decorative hood scoops may come in single or dual models and may vary in shapes and sizes. For functional hood scoops, you have to consider the performance boost you are aiming to achieve and what will be most suitable to your vehicle based on application, driving style, and other requirements.

Price

The price of aftermarket hood scoops may range from around $30 to more than $180. The larger difference in price points is based on the design, application, brand, and vehicle type.

Other considerations

A functional hood scoop is typically used side-by-side with an air pan, an air cleaner, or an air filter. Make sure that the scoop is integrated into the system. The hood scoop should also comply with the regulations in your local state to make it street legal. For instance, the scoop cannot be four inches above the hood or the added noise the engine will make should be within a certain level.